I recently did an interview with Khaalidah. I thought it would be cool for you guys to read the result. The full interview can be found here - www.khaalidah.com/?p=146

Below are a selection of my favourite questions -

I spied your art on Facebook, DeviantArt, and your website. You have some incredibly colorful eye-popping pieces of art. While I am no artist, it seems that you employ a mix of multiple techniques. There were some coordinated pieces that included both Arabic and Chinese calligraphy and one with some manga style art. Is there a name for the kind of art you create? What tools and methods do you use to create such wonderful pictures?

A few things help me to make great work. However, plenty of luck helps me out a lot.

My artwork contains vivid colours, mixed with different textures.

I still think I am an amateur in the art and photographic world. I want to improve my skill and try different styles. We are all born with creativity but we need to learn to display our artistic ability.

My gallery is filled with different items, like a magical goody bag. Some of the images are just plain eye candy, while other items, I would like to think, moves the watcher emotionally or makes him think.

I don't have many artworks that show negative images since most of media loves to show horror and evil of the world. I want people to look at something that will bring a smile to their face. I want to give people an inspirational feast for the eyes.

Sometimes the best work I've made is when I don't over think it. I let the artistic flow take over and let it grow organically. I have a rough idea but sometimes when I finish my work, it is not what I expected it to be.

Erm Did I mention luck?

Are you self-taught or were you trained in the arts? If not, tell us about your day job. If yes, what kind of training? (Courses, classes, mentors ) Who are your greatest influences? How/why did they influence you?

There are masters of art, photography, and calligraphy who I really respect and some of them are my friends, but I don't like to be influenced by them. This is because there is a danger of copying them and I want my work to be unique.

I haven't had any formal training as I am a great believer in 'learn-by-doing'. I understand why some people pay to learn about basic techniques but artistic flair cannot be learnt. It takes hours of practice.

When it comes to art, I don't follow rules. I make my own rules .and I still don't listen to those either!

What advice would you like to offer other artists, that you perhaps never received yourself, about training, confidence, exposure and self-marketing?

If you want to be rich and rolling in money then become a lawyer, doctor, or a businessman. Being an artist as a hobby is fun, but it is a different ball-game when you want to make a career out of it. You need to put a lot of time and effort into improving your skills. You will need to be able to handle negative criticism, as you will get that a lot of the time. However, if you plan to make this your career then you'll be rewarded with being involved in creative projects and pushing your design skills to the max.

I know that you accept commissions. Explain exactly what kind of work you are willing to do and how you can be contacted.

Someone asked me that if I don't like making things for clients  why do you bother?

To me this can be a grey area. Normally I would turn them away but if they ask me to work on a project that seems interesting or something I would enjoy  then why the heck shouldn't I do it! I'd be doing something I enjoy, plus it aids towards the ongoing bills. I mean, it is this or stocking shelves at the local supermarket.